A slow/gradual decompression occurs within...

A slow/gradual decompression occurs within...

• A. 10 seconds or longer
• B. 1-10 seconds
• C. Less than 1 second
• D. 5 seconds

Answer: (A)

Rate of decompression is what this question is testing. A slow or gradual decompression means the cabin pressure loss occurs over a relatively long period, specifically ten seconds or longer. That slower change lets people notice symptoms and for crew to respond, and it’s distinct from rapid or explosive decompression where the pressure drops in under a second. So the correct timeframe to classify a slow/gradual decompression is ten seconds or longer. A five-second event or anything under ten seconds would be considered faster than gradual, and less consistent with the slow category.

Rate of decompression is what this question is testing. A slow or gradual decompression means the cabin pressure loss occurs over a relatively long period, specifically ten seconds or longer. That slower change lets people notice symptoms and for crew to respond, and it’s distinct from rapid or explosive decompression where the pressure drops in under a second. So the correct timeframe to classify a slow/gradual decompression is ten seconds or longer. A five-second event or anything under ten seconds would be considered faster than gradual, and less consistent with the slow category.